Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [Athletic Festival]

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Mass games are a staple event at school sports days and athletics festivals.

They’re large-scale marching performances where participants change formations in sync with the timing.

When everyone moves in perfect harmony, it feels great—not just for the audience, but for the performers too!

This time, we’ve put together a list of popular Japanese songs that are perfect for mass games.

The key point in choosing tracks is that the speed matches the movement.

We’ve selected songs that make it easy to keep your steps brisk and rhythmic!

We hope you find the perfect track to match your vision!

[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [School Athletic Festival] (41–50)

Don’t give upZARD

Don't give up (What a beautiful memory ~forever you~)

Don't give upZARD

This is one of ZARD’s signature songs, and it’s strongly associated with sports scenes.

Not only for track and field or marathons, it’s perfect for moments of striving toward a goal or creating something together with teammates.

Its rhythm, which stirs up courage, is particularly memorable.

The song carries a powerful message of encouragement, calling on listeners to keep moving forward without giving up, so it might be a good idea to incorporate memorable movements at the points where you want to emphasize certain words.

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[Sports Day] A roundup of popular Japanese songs perfect for mass performances [School Festival] (51–60)

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

migratory bird[Alexandros]

This song can be considered one of [Alexandros]’s signature tracks, with a refreshing atmosphere that evokes feelings of gazing into the distance.

Its structure is clear—with relaxed sections and a bright, expansive chorus that feels like the view opening up—so it would work well for a mass performance, allowing for dynamic contrasts.

The fresh sound incorporating acoustic guitar and the lyrics evoke a strong sense of youth.

The theme of migratory birds flocking toward their destination also makes it a perfect fit for a mass game performed by a group.

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sodasumika

sumika / Soda [Music Video]

sodasumika

It’s a song that portrays a refreshing yet bittersweet love story.

It was included on sumika’s indie-era masterpiece “I co Y” and released in November 2014.

In contrast to its lively melody, the lyrics are filled with regret for a past romance.

The word “soda” is used strikingly to express the emptiness of the relationship—that’s the key point.

I think it would make a wonderful track to color a youthful moment like a mass performance!

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Joyfulikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari 'Joyful' Music Video

Joyfulikimonogakari

This song by Ikimonogakari brings a bright, lively atmosphere to the forefront.

It’s also well-known for being used as the CM song for Ezaki Glico’s Pocky, where the content likewise emphasized a sense of fun.

The band’s rhythmic, enjoyable sound draws you into its cheerful world.

The lyrics, which prioritize the resonance of words layered over the sound, also let you savor a playful rhythmic feel.

With its buoyant beat and strikingly repeated phrases, it’s well-suited for mass performances; you could emphasize movements to match these timing points.

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Boku Sora: A Future Without Footprintsnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – My Sky ~A Future Without Footprints~ (Naniwa Danshi First Arena Tour 2021 #NaniwaDanshiShikaKatan)

Boku Sora: A Future Without Footprintsnaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi is an idol group that captivates many with their sweet vocals.

Included on their album “1st Love” is the track “Bokuzora — A Future Without Footprints.” The song conveys a desire to “be friends with people all over the world” and to “paint a wonderful future together.” If you perform to this warm message, it’s sure to get the crowd excited.

Another highlight is the lyrics, which incorporate images of the “sun” and “sky” that evoke a school sports day.

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MomotaroSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella 'Momotaro'

MomotaroSuiyōbi no Campanella

Even just the title grabs your attention, doesn’t it? This track by Wednesday Campanella, a music unit known for their distinctive style, was released in 2014.

As the title suggests, its unique lyrics are based on the story of Momotaro, creating an unexpectedly strong synergy with the artistic sound.

The more you listen, the more it grows on you—an incredibly addictive song! It would definitely energize the crowd if performed as a mass display at a school sports day or athletic festival.

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damnFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze – damn（Official Video）

damnFuji Kaze

Fujii Kaze’s “damn,” known for its fast tempo and powerful vocals, lends itself to a cohesive feel by keeping the choreography simple, making unified movement easier to express.

Because the rhythm and tempo are quick, let’s have fun dancing while moving your body so you can flow smoothly into the chorus.

The tempo is on the faster side, but be mindful to dance with a smile as well.

If you move confidently to the rhythm, I believe you can convey a powerful mass performance—so do your best!

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